The Mayflower 400 Christopher Jones Lectures offer an unmissable opportunity to discover the Mayflower’s secrets, background, voyage and legacy, and compare the themes and issues of 400 years ago with those of the world today.
They commemorate the sailing of the ship in 1620 and the life of her Rotherhithe-based master, Christopher Jones, who was buried at St Mary’s Church in March 1622.
Each of the five illustrated Wednesday evening talks can be enjoyed separately or as part of the series and takes place at Canada Water Theatre in Rotherhithe, the home port and final resting place of The Mayflower and her master. Organised by the Rotherhithe & Bermondsey Local History Society but open to everyone at only £3.75 each, including a glass of wine at the interval.
Five Fabulous Lectures:
2nd March:
Introduction to the Mayflower and One Small Candle
Rebecca Fraser, author of The Mayflower Generation: The Winslow Family and the Fight for the New World, introduces the Mayflower story and identifies the people who made the voyage.
30th March:
The Mayflower, London and Donald Trump
by Graham Taylor
Graham Taylor, author of The Mayflower in Britain: How an icon was made in London, examines London’s role in the Mayflower expedition of 1620, and adds a 2020 perspective. The second of the Mayflower 400 Christopher Jones Lectures: five illustrated talks commemorating the historic sailing to the New World of 1620, and the life of her Rotherhithe-based master.
27th April:
The Journey to the Mayflower
Stephen Tomkins, author of The Journey to the Mayflower, tells the story of the illegal underground religious movement driven to seek a new world on the Mayflower.
25th May:
The Women of Jamestown and Plymouth: Radically Different Beginnings
by Jennifer Potter and Rebecca Fraser
Jennifer Potter, author of The Jamestown Brides, and Rita Cruise O’Brien offer a new perspective on the importance of women in early colonial history. The fourth of the Mayflower 400 Christopher Jones Lectures: five illustrated talks commemorating the historic sailing to the New World of 1620, and the life of her Rotherhithe-based master.
29th June:
The Making of the Mayflower Myth and Christopher Jones
Rita Cruise O'Brien, author of The Mayflower: Myths, Truths and Legacies, considers the myths and legacies of the Mayflower story and her master.
If you are a member of The Rotherhithe & Bermondsey Local History Society then you should select Member tickets. This will allow you to get your ticket free of charge and to check-in at the dedicated Members’ Desk on arrival, where your status will be verified.
Sponsored by London Borough of Southwark, United St. Saviours and British Land.
About the Rotherhithe & Bermondsey Local History Society:
• Encourages an interest in the history of Rotherhithe, Bermondsey, the surrounding area, Docklands and the River Thames by organising monthly talks and events on subjects of local historical interest.
• Began mid-1990’s as the local history group of Time & Talents Association, a charity operating in Rotherhithe and Bermondsey, and became the Rotherhithe & Bermondsey Local History Society in 2011.
• Holder of a Southwark Civic Trust Award, ‘in recognition of exceptional dedication and commitment to keeping local history alive’ and is extremely grateful to Tommy Steele OBE for being its Patron.
We are constantly monitoring the government’s COVID-19 guidelines. Should the situation change, the event will be postponed and bookers will be notified in regards to their options.
Supported by the Garfield Weston Foundation through the Weston Culture Fund
